Annual Manual

Berkshire Co-op Market 42 Bridge St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-9697, berkshire.coop. Offering healthy natural alternatives and local organic alternatives to members and the public in a farmer’s market atmosphere

Chatham Real Food Market 15 Church St., Chatham, 392-3353, chathamrealfoodcoop.net. A community-owned outlet for the products of local farms and kitchens. The Co-op provides education about Columbia County agriculture, and promotes a more localized food system.

Honest Weight Food Co-op 100 Watervliet Ave., Albany, 482-2667, hwfc.com. Come visit the brand-new location for this member-owned and -operated consumer cooperative commited to providing the community with affordable, high-quality natural foods and products for healthy living. A calendar of special events is available online.

The Beverage Mart 79 Main Ave., Wynantskill, 283-4241, beverage-mart.com. This store sports one of the largest import selections in New York State, with more than 800 brands of imported and micro beers. Daily beer specials.

The Book House ofStuyvesant Plaza Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, 489-4761. There’s a knowledgeable staff and a great selection (including local authors) at this independent bookstore in one of the more pleasant shopping centers in the region, and the Little Book House right next door caters to the tykes. A perennial Metroland Best Of winner.

Dove & Hudson 296 Hudson Ave., Albany, 432-4518. Though the place is “semi-retired,” it still has a carefully selected collection of used books, reasonably priced, in a wide range of subjects.

Blue Note Records 156 Central Ave., Albany, 462-0221. Looking to expand your collection of rock & roll, country and R&B? This friendly treasure trove offers an extensive mix of music from the ’40s to the present. In business for 60 years and specializing in 45s, cassettes and CDs.

Last Vestige 173 Quail St., Albany, 432-7736. Choose from a wide array of rare records (both new and used), CDs, tapes and one of the area’s best selections of music-related videos. Plus movies and concerts on Blu-ray and DVD. Knowledgeable staff, and private listening booths to preview your selections.

Drome Sound 1875 State St., Schenectady, 370-3701. One of the more established music stores in the area, with one of the largest selections of new and used equipment around these parts.

Guitar Center 145 Wolf Road, Colonie, 446-1500. This full-service music store offers a wide selection of guitars, amps, drums, keyboards as well as used and vintage gear (they take trades). They advertise low prices but pride themselves on customer service and knowledgeable salespeople.

Saratoga Guitar 438 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 581-1604, saratogaguitar.com. New, used and vintage guitars in this cozy store, along with repair service. Willing to buy and trade.

Performance Venues

Please note:Clubs with live entertainment are listed under “Bars & Clubs.”In addition to the information below, keep in mind that area churches often host classical-music concerts, and that clubs and coffeehouses present poetry readings and, on occasion, theater. The Capital Region also boasts a number of community theaters, including Albany Civic Theater (462-1297), the Schenectady Civic Players (382-2081), the Schenectady Light Opera Company (393-5732) and Saratoga’s Home Made Theatre (587-4427). Finally, a major attraction each summer is the free Park Playhouse (434-0776) musical production that takes place in Albany’s Washington Park. (Boldface type indicates that a venue is home to a significant local orchestra, theater company, dance troupe, or other performance organization.)

The Egg Empire State Plaza, Albany, 473-1845, theegg.org. Home of the Empire Center, the Egg presents an impressive and varied schedule of music, dance, theater and children’s performances from touring artists and companies. Also home to resident company the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company.

Palace Theatre 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, 465-3334, palacealbany.com. One of Albany’s prized downtown venues, a beautiful former movie house with a capacity of about 2,900. It is home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra as well as music and comedy concerts.

Proctors Mainstage, 432 State St., Schenectady, 382‑3884, proctors.org. This 2,700‑seat theater-in-the-grand-manner hosts one of the area’s most substantial and eclectic seasons of theater, dance, music and comedy. This is where the Broadway touring shows stop, where classical and Cajun music come to the big stage and where the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra hangs its hat. Home of Goldie, “the Mighty Wurlitzer” (organ), and Northeast Ballet’s annual productions of The Nutcracker. The venue also hosts pop, country and oldies concerts, also has an excellent ongoing second-run film series.

RPI’s Houston Field House Peoples and Burdett avenues, Troy, 276-6262. Best known as the home of RPI’s Division I ECAC hockey team (see “Sports Venues”), the Field House is also a popular midsize (seats 6,500) venue for pop and rock shows. RPI also books pop music shows into the MacNeil Room and Mother’s.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Spa State Park, Route 9, Saratoga Springs, 587-3330, spac.org. Each and every summer, this indoor-outdoor amphitheater becomes the home of the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. And there’s always a full schedule of special events—concerts by top jazz, pop and rock & roll artists.

Tanglewood West Street, Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-1600. The summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this revered indoor-outdoor amphitheater features a comprehensive schedule of classical concerts, as well as occasional jazz and pop shows, during the warm-weather months.

Times Union Center 51 S. Pearl St., Albany, 487-2000, timesunioncenter-albany.com. This 15,000-seat facility is the largest Capital Region venue by far. In addition to sports (see “Sports Venues”), the Times Union Center (formerly known as Pepsi Arena, and Knickerbocker Arena before that) hosts such events as kids’ shows, circuses, ice shows and some of the largest pop-music tours to pass through these parts.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 2nd Avenue and State Street, Troy, 273-0038, troymusichall.org. From symphony orchestras to jazz greats, this hall, renowned for its acoustic splendor, is the first choice of many artists for performance and recordings. Regularly presents subscription concerts by the Albany Symphony Orchestra. The annual season boasts the Troy Chromatics Concerts (a classical music series), a jazz series and an acoustic music series, plus an assortment of acoustic, folk and world music events.

Colonial Theatre 111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 997-4444. Go to see anything here, but leave ample time to have your breath quietly stolen as the meticulously restored theater transports you back to the 19th century in all of its architectural splendor, gilt elegance and artisan’s pride.

Curtain Call Theatre 210 Old Loudon Road, Latham, 877-7529, curtaincalltheatre.com. This former church is named after its year-round tenant, a professional theater company.

Dance Theater, Filene Recital Hall and Bernhard Theater Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, 580-5000, skidmore.edu. As the name indicates, Skidmore’s Dance Theater regularly hosts performances of dance—by students and national troupes and artists. The recital hall features faculty showcase concerts as well as an interesting mix of classical, jazz and avant-garde music. The Bernhard Theater hosts mostly campus productions.

Foy Campus Center Theater, St. Mary of the Angels Chapel and Alumni Recreation Center Siena College, 515 Loudon Road (Route 9), Loudonville, 783-2527. The theater often hosts a slate of performances by the drama department, while many a classical ensemble fills the chapel with heavenly sounds. Look for the occasional pop-music concert in the ARC.

Fuze Box 12 Central Ave., Albany, 432-8866. Former chrome burger stand and home to the venerable QE2, the venue is now one of the area’s best dance clubs with a weekly ’80s night and plenty of high-profile guest DJs.

The Linda, WAMC’S Performing Arts Studio 339 Central Ave., Albany, 465-5233, ext. 4. Renovated former bank building hosts classical, jazz, pop, and folk performances. Many of these shows are broadcast on public radio station WAMC. Also, movies.

MASS MoCA 87 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass., (413) 664-4481, massmoca.org. In addition to gallery space, this sprawling former factory complex includes performances spaces for music, dance and film. They have recently hosted everything from avant-garde opera and modern dance to silent film and a summer music festival.

Old Songs Community Arts Center 37 S. Main St., Voorheesville, 765-2815, oldsongs.org. A home for folk and acoustic music featuring concerts, contra dances, instrument classes, open mics and the annual Old Songs Festival.

Page Hall 135 Western Ave., downtown University at Albany campus, Albany; and the University at Albany Performing Arts Center 1400 Washington Ave., uptown campus, Albany, 442-3995, albany.edu/pac. Both locations concentrate on campus-related music, theater, readings and more. Several pop concerts are usually presented at Page Hall annually, as is the New York State Writers Institute Film Series. In addition, the UAlbany Concert Board often books popular musical acts into the Recreation and Convocation Center, also at the uptown campus.

Pearl Street Nightclub 10 Pearl St., Northampton, Mass., (413) 584-7771. Perennial winner of Metroland’s Best Venue Worth-a-Drive. Features one of the best schedules of indie rock in the area.

Sanctuary for Independent Media 3361 6th Ave., Troy, 272-2390. Housed in a former church, this non-profit media advocacy center hosts a series of musical performances, as well as educational and activist events.

Schacht Fine Arts Center Theater Russell Sage College, Troy, 274-3256. Home of the Theatre Institute at Sage. Also at Sage, the James L. Meader Little Theater.

Shakespeare & Company 70 Kemble St., Lenox, Mass. (413) 637-3353, shakespeare.org.With a core of over 150 artists, Shakespeare & Company performs Shakespeare as well as new plays of social and political significance.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre 500 Western Ave. (near intersection of Madison and Western avenues), Albany, 438-5503, steamer10theatre.org. The restored firehouse is home to acclaimed productions of children’s theater, as well as special events—puppet shows, storytellers, magicians—throughout the year.

Time & Space Limited 434 Columbia St., Hudson, 822-8448, timeandspace.org. Theater, film, art, and literary events are all presented in this one neat space. There are premieres as well as classics in their movie series, and the live performances range from avant-garde to children’s fare.

Union College Memorial Chapel Union College, Union Street, Schenectady, 388-6000. Regularly features an impressive classical music series, and though it’s been a while, pop and rock bands have performed there in the past as well. Union also boasts the Yulman Theater, which is home to college theater productions.

The Upstate Concert Hall 1208 Route 146, Clifton Park, 371-0012, upstateconcerthall.com. Formerly Northern Lights, this is the biggest regional concert club, with top national acts performing up to seven nights a week.

Valentine’s Music Hall 17 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 432-6572, valentinesalbany.com. A die-hard among Albany nightspots, Valentine’s offers live bands (local and national) up to seven nights a week on two stages, plus poetry and burlesque.

Please note: The following list of area organizations dedicated to exhibiting art and/or historical materials is just the tip of the iceberg. Please refer to Metroland’s Museums & Galleries listings in the weekly Night & Day section of the paper for up-to-date information.

Albany Institute of History & Art 125 Washington Ave., Albany, 463-4478. The state’s oldest museum continues to be dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region, but also brings in fascinating traveling exhibits. Admission fee.

Albany International Airport Gallery Third level, Albany International Airport, Colonie, 242-2243. Exhibitions showing regional, contemporary art, site-specific installations, area museum collections, and traveling national exhibits of regional interest, all in a space flooded by light. Free.

Arts Centerof the Capital Region 265 River St., Troy, 273-0552. This multi-use arts center’s gallery features contemporary art from the region and beyond, plus a folk-art exhibit space on the second floor. This is the place to get involved in the arts through a multitude of courses offered throughout the year. Also offers grant programs, arts-in-education. Free.

Berkshire Museum 39 South St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 443-7171. Permanent installations of art and natural history as well as seasonal shows and special exhibits, often with a hands-on approach appealing to children. Aquarium. Admission fee.

Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) 250 Jordan Road, Troy, 235-2120. This Tech Valley center is designed for children and parents to explore the world of science together. Admission fee.

Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 584-5540. With its large exhibition space, this interactive museum for kids and their families features hands-on exhibits, workshops and special events. Admission fee.

Esther Massry Gallery, Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose, 1002 Madison Ave., Albany, 454-5102. Regularly mounts shows by artists of regional, national and international acclaim, as well as student and faculty shows. Free.

Fulton Street Gallery 408 Fulton St., Troy, 274-8464. With a mission to promote the region’s appreciation of contemporary art, this gallery features changing exhibits by local, regional and international artists. Free.

Hancock Shaker Village 1843 W. Housatonic St., Pittsfield, Mass. (413) 443-0188, hancockshakervillage.org. Hancock Shaker Village bring the Shaker story to life and preserves it for future generations. The village is open from Mid-April to October each year. Special events are listed online.

Hudson Valley Community College Teaching Gallery, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy, 629-4822. Exhibits of works by students and regional artists. Free.

The Hyde Collection 161 Warren St., Glens Falls, 792-1761. The permanent collections here include historic art and artifacts from the United States and beyond. Special touring exhibits often are featured. Free.

Iroquois Indian Museum 324 Caverns Road, Howes Cave, 296-8949. Presents the enduring spirit of the Iroquois in the fine and performance arts, and through anthropological and ethnographic exhibits. Located on a 45-acre nature park. Includes a children’s museum. Admission fee.

National Museum of Dance 99 S. Broadway (Route 9), Saratoga Springs, 584-2225. The only museum in the country devoted exclusively to professional dance. In addition to changing exhibits, it features a permanent exhibit on American dancemakers who’ve been inducted into the Museum’s Dance Hall of Fame. Seasonal. Admission fee.

New YorkStateMilitaryMuseum 61 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 581-5100. Permanent and traveling exhibits of military items related to New York’s contribution to the national defense. Admission fee.

New YorkStateMuseum Empire State Plaza, Albany, 474-5877. Features permanent exhibits relating to New York history, culture, geography, flora and fauna. There is also a variety of changing exhibits and the Discovery Place for kids. Donations suggested.

Norman Rockwell Museum Route 183, Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 298-4100. A museum devoted to exhibiting the works of its namesake and special traveling exhibits of international renown. Admission fee.

Opalka Gallery Sage Colleges of Albany, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 292-7742. Shows by regional, national and international artists are regularly featured. Free.

Rensselaer County Historical Society 57 Second St., Troy, 272-7232. One of New York’s premier historic house museums. RCHS collects and preserves the history of Rensselaer County. Admission fee.

Saratoga County Arts Council Arts Center Gallery, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-4132. Exhibits of works by regional artists, and a members’ gallery. Free.

SchickArtGallery Saisselin Art Building, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, 580-5049. Faculty and students exhibit their works here, as well as artists from the area and beyond. Free.

ShakerMuseum and Library 88 Shaker Museum Road, Old Chatham, 794-9100. Features a premier Shaker collection in the rolling farmland of Columbia County; look for workshops and festivals, too. Admission fee.

Shelnutt Gallery Rensselaer Union, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 15th Street and Sage Avenue, Troy, 276-6505. This college gallery exhibits regional, national and international artists as well as the art of students and faculty. Free.

Spencertown Academy Route 203, Spencertown, 392-3693. An art gallery and a craft gallery for exhibits, classroom for classes and workshops as well as a performance space. Admission to galleries is free.

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute 225 South St., Williamstown, Mass., (413) 458-2303. Features collections of French impressionist, Italian Renaissance, English, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish and American 19th-century painters; sculpture; 19th-century American porcelain, silver and furniture, as well as national traveling exhibits. Currently under reconstruction. Admission fee.

UniversityArtMuseum Fine Arts Building, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, 442-4035. Works by regional, national and international artists presented in theme exhibitions. Faculty and student works are showcased in annual exhibits. Free.

USS Slater 141 Broadway, Albany, 431-1943, ussslater.org. Tour the USS Slater. See how sailors worked, hear the sounds of a living ship, touch a piece of American history, and walk the decks where hundreds of sailors have walked before. Seasonal. Admission fee.

Williams College Museum of Art Main Street (Route 2), Williamstown, Mass., (413) 597-2429. This college art gallery typically features an impressive array of historic and contemporary exhibits by artists of regional, national and international import in its many exhibition spaces. Free.

University at Albany Recreation and ConvocationCenter (aka the RACC) University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, 442-DANE (3263), ualbanysports.com. Includes an indoor track, fitness center, racquetball and squash courts. Home to UAlbany basketball.

Colonie Center Central Avenue and Wolf Road, Colonie, 459-9020. shopcoloniecenter.com. The smaller of Albany’s major malls has been reinvented as an upscale shopping center. Boasting the largest Macy’s this side of New York City, the only Christmas Tree Shop upstate, Boscov’s, Sears, the Gap and other typical retail chains. L.L Bean, Barnes & Noble, and Regal Cinemas.

Downtown Troy With new shops opening around every turn, downtown troy has truly begun to realize its potential. Some of our favorites: J.K Bloom Jewelers, Counties of Ireland, Artcentric Gift Gallery, the Beat Shop, Market Block Books, Truly Rhe, Annick Designs and the antique shops on River Street.

Downtown Saratoga Springs Saratoga may not have old-time prices, but it still has that old-time downtown feeling, with one of the area’s classiest collections of boutiques and shops. Check out Saratoga Clothes Horse for boutique attire, Rockabella for contemporary women’s clothes, Lyrical Ballad for antiquarian books and McGillycuddy’s Naturals for all-natural bath and body products. And there are plenty of chain stores, including Gap, Banana Republic, Starbucks and Eddie Bauer.

Jay StreetSchenectady. A little retail paradise in the middle of the Electric City: A handful of gift shops flank a common area that has been closed to traffic. The Open Door Bookstore holds court at one end, and don’t forget to hop across the street to check out Proctors Arcade, where there are a few sweet gift shops and Schenectady Van Curler Music.

Lark Street/Lower Central Avenue Albany. An oasis of specialty shops, restaurants and bars. There’s something for everyone at the secondhand, antique, boutique, record and gift shops that line these several blocks. Don’t miss Romeo’s Gifts, Elissa Halloran Designs, Fuzz Records, Lark Natural Foods and the Lark Street Flower Market. Also, pop into Seasons Skate Shop for all your skateboarding needs. Among the storefronts on Central Avenue are Earthworld, for all the comic lovers.

Mohawk Commons State Street and Balltown Road, Niskayuna. Built over the former site of Mohawk Mall, this big-box supercenter hosts a number of stores, including Target, Barnes & Noble, Lowe’s and Marshalls.

Prime Outlets at Lee Route 20 East, Lee, Mass., (413) 243-8186. primeoutlets.com. Outlet shopping just across the state line, without the hefty New York state sales tax. Among the stores, you’ll find J. Crew, the Gap, Bass, and Jones New York.

Route 9, Latham With Hoffman’s Playland and miles of high-end strip-malls, this area offers just about everything you could want from suburbia. On the northern end of this stretch is Latham Farms—a mega plaza with a big ’ol Walmart, PetSmart, Sam’s Club, Staples, Michael’s and more. Across Route 9, New Loudon Center Plaza offers A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts and Marshalls. At Latham Retail Center, just west of Latham Circle, you’ll find Babies R’ Us, T.J. Maxx and Sports Authority.

Stuyvesant Plaza Western Avenue and Fuller Road, Guilderland, 482-8986. stuyvesantplaza.com. An upscale strip mall featuring some distinctive clothing stores, including Circles, Ann Taylor Loft and Casual Set. The plaza is also home to the Book House, the area’s largest locally owned bookstore; Hippo’s, a haven for home-electronics connoisseurs; Pearl Grant Richmans fine and unique gifts; 10,000 Villages, a not-for-profit store filled with exotic, affordable, fair-trade furnishings and gifts; the fine art Sorelle Gallery and much more.

Upper Union StreetSchenectady. The other area of significant retail concentration in the Electric City. Clothing, jewelry, gifts, cards and fast food are all available.

Wilton Mall Route 50, Saratoga Springs, 583-2138. wiltonmall.com. Old Navy, Dicks, Aeropostale and Forever 21 are among the features of this complex, which also boasts old faithfuls JCPenney and Sears. A new Bow Tie Cinemas multiplex is under construction.

Wolf RoadColonie. A gauntlet for the shopping crazed. If you can get past Colonie Center, watch out . . . what lies in store (pun intended) is a shopaholic’s paradise. To name a few: Trader Joe’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond; Pier I Imports and Wolf Road Shoppers Park.

Albany’s Indoor Rockgym 4C Vatrano Road, Albany, 459-7625. airrockgym.com. When the going gets tough, the tough climb the walls. Top-roping, lead climbing, bouldering and caving available. Private and group instruction offered as well as birthday parties for the willing and the brave.

AdirondackMountain Club Albany chapter: P.O. Box 2116, Albany, 899-2725. adk.org. Just an hour from the Capital Region, the Adirondacks boast some of the best views in the state—perfect for when you need a break from the grind of city life. The ADK hosts hikes and outings, meetings and seminars for the outdoorsy set.

Albany Trolleys Albany, 433-0100, albanycarservice.com/trolley.html. The trolleys are available year-round for charters and events.

The ArtsCenterof the Capital Region 265 River St., Troy, 273-0552. artscenteronline.org. The center features changing art exhibits, performances and state-of-the-art studios where a multitude of classes are taught. Drawing, painting, weaving, ceramics, woodworking, dance, jewelry making and much more are regularly featured.

Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy 3 Cerone Commercial Dr., Albany, school 489-4026; massage clinic 489-4068, cnwsmt.com. A school where students of all ages can learn the art and science of therapeutic massage. Day, evening, full- and part-time programs available. Student massage clinic open to the public.

The Edge Halfmoon 1544 Route 9, Halfmoon, 982-5545, theedgehalfmoon.com. One of the northeast’s largest indoor rock climbing facilities, featuring top-rope and lead climbing as well as a top-out boulder, fitness and yoga classes.

Orion Boutique 169 Jay St., Schenectady, 346-4902. A staple of Schenectady’s Jay Street for as long as we can remember. For anyone walking the block, it’s a must-see. Everything from clothing and hand-made silver jewelry to a full line of pipes and smoking accessories.

SaratogaSavoyCenter of Dance 7 Wells St., Saratoga Springs, 587-5132. saratogasavoy.com. A dance studio specializing in social dancing. Argentine tango, ballroom, lindy hop, swing and more. Special workshops with some of the world’s best dancers.

Smoke Signals 1502 Route 9, Clifton Park, 383-4200, facebook.com/smokesignals518. A large selection of glass and acrylic water pipes and hookahs. One-of-a-kind, hand-blown pipes from artists all across the country.

Best Fitness 911 Central Ave., Albany, 320-7146; 2330 Watt St., Schenectady, 213-4705, bestfitness.net. Full-service gym dedicated to providing members with the finest leve of service in the fitness community. We put an emphasis on top-level fitness and proven results. Our state-of-the-art fitness centers are the foundation for a better you.

Center for NaturalWellnessSchool of Massage Therapy 3 Cerone Commercial Dr., Albany, 489-4026. A school where students of all ages can learn the art and science of therapeutic massage. Day, evening, full- and part-time programs available. Student massage clinic open to the public. Call to make an appointment. cnwsmt.com

Complexions 221 Wolf Road, Albany, 489-5231. complexions.com. Eco-friendly day spa offering unique spa treatments using botanicals from around the world. The hair design studio offers innovative styling in a fashion-forward setting by a talented and professional team of stylists.

The brief list below provides info for those inclined to get involved in the community and social change.

AIDS Council of Northeastern New York, 927 Broadway, Albany. 434-4686, aidscouncil.org. Provides free, confidential HIV and STD testing, free condoms and safer sex supplies, and services to people living with HIV and AIDS.

CapitalDistrictCenter for Independence 875 Central Ave., South 4, Albany, 459-6422. A nonprofit organization that provides services for the disabled.

Capital District Local First, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga Counties, capitaldistrictlocalfirst.org. Working to promote the locally owned, independent business community of the region. We believe that the locally owned, independent business community plays a vital role in enhancing the social fairness, community spirit, financial vitality, and environmental health of the region.

Center for Law and Justice 153 S. Pearl St., Albany, 427-8361. Advocates for poor communities on issues of police brutality, racism and social justice issues.

Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council 332 Hudson Ave., Albany, 462-6138. A community center for the gay and lesbian community in the Capital Region, and a clearinghouse for information about events sponsored by the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council and other groups. cdglcc.org.

CapitalDistrictCommunityGardens, 40 River St., Troy, 274-8685. Helping residents of Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties improve their neighborhoods through community gardening, healthy food access and urban greening programs for more than 30 years. Cdcg.org.

Hunger Action Network of New York State 275 State St., 4th Floor, Albany, 434-7371. Lobbying and research on a range of hunger issues. hungeractionnys.org.

New York Public Interest Research Group 107 Washington Ave., Albany, 436-0876. Works on a range of public-interest issues, including the environment, good government, campaign-finance reform and consumer advocacy. nypirg.org.

Social JusticeCenter 33 Central Ave., Albany, 434-4037. Umbrella organization of 10 peace and justice groups working on state and local social issues. albanysocialjusticecenter.org.

United Tenants of Albany 33 Clinton Ave., Albany, 436-8997. Direct service and advocacy on tenants’ rights, affordable housing and community investment. unitedtenantsalbany.org.

Vanderheyden Hall Troy, vanderheydenhall.org. Vanderheyden has been one of the premier youth, individual and family services agencies located in the Capital Region of New York State for 175 years.